UAE launches million-dollar AI prize for innovation involving 10,000 changemakers from 150 countries

During the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders, Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, introduced three global initiatives aimed at promoting future foresight and transforming technological and economic opportunities into tangible projects.

These initiatives include the establishment of the Global Center for Future Opportunities, the launch of an international innovation challenge with a $1 million artificial intelligence prize, and the recognition of 20 young leaders under 30 capable of driving significant change.

Global Centre for Opportunities

Al Gergawi introduced the Global Centre for Future Opportunities, collaboration between the Dubai Future Foundation and the World Economic Forum. This initiative aims to convert technological and economic prospects into tangible policies and projects to harness global changes for development.

Million-dollar AI prize

Al Gergawi also highlighted the International Innovation Challenge and Assistive AI Prize, a joint effort with Dubai Municipality and the World Economic Forum. This annual million-dollar prize encourages 10,000 changemakers from 150 countries to create solutions that enhance urban services and improve city life quality. Successful solutions will be scaled from one city to many others, with winners announced at the 2027 meeting.

20 Young Leaders

The "Future 20" initiative looks to recognise 20 leaders under 30 capable of driving significant change, highlighting their ideas for shaping the future. Al Gergawi emphasised the importance of young leaders in guiding institutions and communities, stressing that their decisions can foster opportunities for millions. He noted that true future creation relies on wise leadership rather than just technology and resources.

In his opening remarks, Al Gergawi stated that the world is witnessing three major shifts affecting power balances, the economy, technology, and climate. He reflected on the evolving questions since the partnership with the World Economic Forum began in Dubai 18 years ago. Initially, the focus was on how to prepare for the future; now, it's about leading in a world where rules are constantly changing. He pointed out that it's not just the world that's changing; the principles of change have also evolved.

These meetings signal a new phase in the partnership with the World Economic Forum, which started in 2008 and has since involved the Global Agenda and Global Future Councils, engaging over 900 councils and about 12,000 experts. Today, this collaboration brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from over 100 countries, aiming to transition from merely anticipating to actively shaping the future.

Three major shifts

Al Gergawi emphasised the first shift as the changing global power dynamics, noting that in 2025, the world saw over 60 armed conflicts, the highest number since 1946. Military spending soared to around $3 trillion, representing the largest annual increase since the Cold War's conclusion. He pointed out how trade restrictions are reshaping manufacturing, investment, and supply chains, highlighting that a single economic decision in one capital now has the power to alter trade routes as well as food and energy prices.

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He also mentioned that global public debt neared 94% of GDP in 2025, with projections by the International Monetary Fund suggesting it will reach 100% by 2029, a trend that restricts many governments' ability to invest in their societies.

He stressed that these factors place a responsibility on future leaders to build more resilient economies and create partnerships that bridge divisions, fostering trust and cooperation. The strength of leadership in an evolving world is measured by its ability to protect people's opportunities and futures.

AI role

The second shift relates to human and technological capabilities, driven by the rapid progression of artificial intelligence. Al Gergawi questioned whether AI will eventually create new tools, machines, and inventions rather than just utilise those made by humans. This raises a fundamental question about redefining the human role, skills, and capacity for innovation as technological capabilities expand.

Future of energy and climate

The third shift focuses on the future of resources, energy, and the climate. The last decade has been the hottest on record since modern measurements began, while renewable energy made up about 86% of new electrical capacity additions in 2025. Al Gergawi highlighted that although climate challenges are unprecedented, today’s solutions were not available to previous generations. Progress will rely on how quickly these solutions can be transformed into tangible outcomes.

Five essential qualities of future leaders

Al Gergawi highlighted five critical traits that define effective leaders of the future. The first is the ability to foresee transformations and proactively prepare for crises before they arise. The second is an ongoing commitment to learning and adaptability; he noted that the strategies behind past success can become obstacles to future progress, and a great leader is not someone with all the answers but someone bold enough to question them.

The third quality centres on the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence and technology. While these tools hold tremendous potential, their true value lies in how wisely they are employed.

The fourth is fostering partnerships, acknowledging that global challenges require collective efforts; a leader’s true strength is reflected not in what they accomplish alone, but in what they enable others to achieve collaboratively.

The fifth and final quality is the ability to translate vision into actionable outcomes. Al Gergawi affirmed that genuine leadership is not determined by the scale of decisions made but by the meaningful impact these decisions have on people’s lives.